Crimes and Courts Correspondent
Laxen Herbal Solutions, a local herbal medicine company, has been brought to court on charges of selling unregistered complementary medicines, violating the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA).
The State alleges that the company breached specific sections of MASCA that regulate the sale of complementary medicines.
The prosecution claims that although Laxen Herbal’s products are traditional, they are packaged in a manner that resembles pharmaceutical-grade medicines, including forms such as powders and capsules. A witness testified that the products included detailed labels on usage and dosage, similar to those found on complementary pharmaceutical products. The witness argued that traditional medicines should be sold in their raw form, adhering to traditional practices.
Laxen Herbal, represented by Tinashe Manzvii, contested the charges, asserting that the legislation cited by the State does not apply to their operations. Manzvii argued that their products are governed by the African Traditional Medical Practitioners Act, which promotes innovation in traditional medicine. He emphasized that their packaging and modification of medicines into powder forms are intended to make them more accessible and appealing to consumers.
Manzvii also referenced Statutory Instrument (SI) 97 of 2015, which exempts traditional medical practitioners from the regulations governing complementary medicines. He argued that this legislation distinguishes traditional medicines from complementary medicines, claiming that the charges against Laxen Herbal are misplaced.
The case began when detectives from the CID Drugs and Narcotics in Bulawayo received a tip-off about Laxen Herbal selling unregistered products. Following an inspection, various unregistered medicines valued at US$5,035 were seized and are currently held as evidence.
The court proceedings have been postponed to November 29, 2024, for judgment, as the case continues to unfold. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between traditional medicine practices and regulatory frameworks in Zimbabwe.
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